Thread: What's Your Main Role At Your Haunt?

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Are you in costume scaring people, handing out candy, doing prop maintenance, or a combination of everything?

This year I finally managed to do what I’ve always wanted to do...just be available to talk to people. It was great because I not only got to hear the compliments and say “thank you,” but I also was able to get feedback as to how we can improve, make kids feel good about their costumes, laugh and joke with people and take the little ones by their hand and show them that they can conquer their fears. Of course, I always enjoy our haunt on the big night but this year was extra special for me as I got to really interact with our neighborhood.

So, what’s your role and are you happy with it or would you prefer to do something else?

I actually like putting it together.....and hate taking it down

But when I was doing Pro-Haunts....I started as an actor, moved into security and designing....then on to actor coordinator...and ended it as the Door Man!
I really enjoyed the scaring part...just wish I still had that kind of energy.

I usually try to be a free floater. I have 5-6 people who help out so I can kind of oversee what's happening. Make sure the crowd keeps moving, fog machines are full/working, no problems with guests, help out at the exit area, refill candy, etc.. This year I was the gatekeeper for most of the evening. It was fun dressing up and setting the stage for the walk through portion. Got everyone's anxiety level up a bit and it helped the overall experience. I also got to talk to each group, see a lot of friends who came by, and just thank everyone for coming, which we make a point of doing each year.

Dh and both dress in comfortable clothes (usually an appropriately-themed tee shirt and jeans) and sit on our front porch with the big candy bucket between us. We have too many TOTs to be inside, and that way we actually can see the reactions and hear the squeals of the TOTs. I can also keep an eye on the valuble props, and keep up with the fog machine and any other things that break down the instant it happens.

We enjoy hearing the comments and figure that there are enough scary things in the yard and walkway that we don't dress up, and we both tend to get uncomfortable wearing costumes for long periods of time. (and the costumes are worn for the party, anyway)

I dress in costume and wander around and make sure that everything is working or re-fill the foggers or make sure that no one is doing something they shouldn't be.

This year I planned on doing a bit of scaring in the cemetery along with keeping the refreshments going but actually all I did was stand around chatting with our many visitors. So much so that my DH gleefully dubbed me Count Talkula. Oh he's a RIOT that one.

Last year I felt I lost out on a lot cause people wanted to chat & I was so busy w/ a constant line all night taking pictures of the kids. This year I actually thought about forgetting the pictures & it sort of got added at the last minute. Good thing...I was shocked how many people came into the house this year mentioning enjoying the pictures & heard a few saying to others...."See, she takes pictures of us!".

This year I got less photos of the kids cause I had some camera malfunctions but still I was thinking ahead! I ran off 60 invites to a Xmas open house to give me a chance to meet & chat w/ people. Hopefully I will find some folks to invite for a Halloween party next year, that really is the purpose of the open house. Its hard to visit w/ these folks on Halloween cause we're so busy. Next year we will definately need some hired hands.....2 of us can't handle it alone anymore. (isn't that great? lol)

I'm the greeter when they come in the house & I direct traffic & answer questions & take pictures!!I was running late this year & was shocked also how many of these people asked where my costume was this year. I never got a chance to put it on.

Mistress Muffy

Definitely a combination of everything. After all the buildup, H day pretty much goes by in a blink because I'm so busy.

This year I had a lot more freedom as in previous years. I used to do my own haunt, but joined mine with another haunt to make one big haunted house. I was able to run around in my costume scaring people and spend less time worring if something was not going right.